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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Philadelphia has had many a beer festival over the years, but they haven't embraced gluten-free brews. This September, though, there'll be an event much more welcoming. Pour the Core: A Hard Cider Festival will be held on Sat., September 28 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

These days, hard ciders are enjoying popularity that's driven by both breweries and wineries taking advantage of the fast-growing interest and appeal, particularly among the gluten-free community. Philly’s very first hard cider festival will showcase the finest U.S.-produced and internationally-sourced ciders - more than 30 in all. Among the featured brands at the festival will be hard ciders from Virtue Cider, Strongbow, Stella Artois, Vermont Hard Cider Co., McKenzie’s Hard Cider, Blackthorn Cider, Original Sin, Ace Cider, Doc’s Draft Hard Ciders, Spire Mountain Draft Cider and Anthem Cider. Woodchuck is the tasting glass sponsor and Strongbow will be hosting a special mixology tent for demos and instruction.

The event will take place outdoors, under tents, on the Parade Grounds in the Philadelphia Navy Yard (4747 S. Broad St.) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Food, including gluten-free options, will be available for sale from select members of the Philadelphia Mobile Food Association. There will also be music and special seminars about cider, the making of cider, and the enjoyment of cider.

Tickets are $40 each when purchased in advance or $65 at the door on event day (if the event is not sold out). Tickets include admission to the festival, participation in special programming, a 5 oz. souvenir tasting glass, and the freedom to enjoy samples from participating exhibitors. Designated driver tickets are also available online for $10. No one under 21, including designated drivers, will be admitted and photo ID is required for entry. As always, enjoy responsibly.